My father-in-law insisted I enjoy a spa weekend on his dime—only for my neighbor to ring me halfway there, yelling, “It’s all a setup! Turn back
When my father-in-law offered to send me on a luxury spa weekend, I thought my in-laws were finally trying to include me. For three years, I’d been the outsider — not wealthy enough, not “established” enough for their perfect family image. So when they suddenly offered an all-expenses-paid trip after my husband Mark’s big promotion, I was suspicious… but I went anyway.
Forty-five minutes into the drive, our elderly neighbor called in a panic, begging me to turn back. She’d seen my in-laws letting themselves into our house.
I rushed home — and froze.
Candles filled the living room. Rose petals led to the bedroom. Classical music played softly. My mother-in-law stood arranging wine glasses… and a tall blonde woman in a red dress stepped out of the hallway holding lingerie.
She thought I was the housekeeper.
Moments later, Mark walked in, confused. That’s when the truth came out — his parents had invited his ex-girlfriend over, telling her we were separated. They’d planned a romantic reunion while sending me away for the weekend.
Mark was furious. He threw them out immediately and told them not to come back.
For the first time, he chose me without hesitation.
A month later, we took that spa weekend together — not to celebrate his promotion, but us. Because real love doesn’t need approval to be enough.
